Participating in the 2010 Census is one of the most important ways you can help our community thrive. This month, El Pasoans and people across America will begin receiving their 2010 Census forms, and this year's survey is easier than ever to fill out. With only 10 questions, it takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

The 2010 Census is important because it will not only determine federal and state funding allocations over the next decade, it will also determine the level of political representation we will receive in our state and federal legislatures. Filling out your census form will help ensure El Paso receives its fair share of funding and political clout.

America's population has grown significantly since the last census was conducted in 2000. In 2008, more than 304 million people were living in the U.S. -- an increase of 8 percent over the 281 million in 2000. El Paso's population grew at an even faster rate during the same period, with over 742,000 people in 2008, compared to 679,000 in 2000 -- an increase of 9.2 percent!

Every year, more than $400 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities based on census data. That is more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period.

Census data provide planners with critical information that helps determine where to locate schools, daycare and senior centers, roads, housing, hospitals and other essential facilities. Census numbers are also used by businesses to make investment decisions in a community.

The outcome of the 2010 Census is also particularly significant for Texas. With an estimated population growth of 16.7 percent since the last census, Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. The Lone Star State stands to gain additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Four million more people live in Texas today than in 2000. This represents the largest gain of all states in the country. As a result of this growth, Texas is projected to gain three (or possibly four) congressional seats. This means Texans will have a greater voice in Washington, D.C.

However, where these new Texas representatives will come from will depend largely on the outcome of the 2010 Census. Clearly, we have much at stake.

The individual information you provide on your census form is strictly confidential and protected by federal law from being shared with any entity, government agency, or court. Furthermore, participation in the census is not dependent on visa or residency status, and information such as citizenship, legal status, criminal history, and Social Security numbers are not part of the survey. Census workers will not ask for this type of information, either.

In prior census counts, Hispanics, African-Americans, Asian Americans, and Americans living in rural areas were among the groups most likely to be undercounted. Due to historically low participation rates in some areas, El Paso has many census tracts that are designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as "hard to count." Census officials are working hard to count these neighborhoods, but they can't do it alone -- they need your help to spread the word.

An undercount of El Paso's population will have a negative impact on our community for years to come.

Ensuring that everyone is counted is a community-wide effort. All of us must do our part to encourage our friends, neighbors and families to participate. Not filling out your census form can be costly to the community, and we owe it to our children to fight for every penny we deserve.

With only 10 minutes of your time, you will help El Paso thrive in the years ahead.

Reyes represents El Paso in the U.S. Congress and Cook is a second-team El Paso mayor.